Skipper sparks RNLI rescue

Published:16:09Tuesday 23 August 2011

A NEW skipper sparked two call-outs from the RNLI in less than a week - including one involving the Skegness crews.

The Skegness inshore lifeboat was scrambled at 5pm on Tuesday, August 16 when the skipper of the 28ft motor boat Gola required assistance refloating off the beach at Jackson’s Corner, north of Skegness.

The vessel had been aground on the beach since about 1pm having previously declined assistance when offered by coastguards.

As the lifeboat approached the boat, crew member Joe Pieniak was transferred aboard to assist the skipper recovering his anchor and getting safely away from the beach.

The lifeboat proceeded to escort the vessel south to a safe anchorage off Gibraltar Point, where she and her skipper were left.

Skegness Lifeboat Operations Manager Alan Fisher said the skipper was on a steep learning curve, having acquired the boat just three weeks ago.

Alan added: “He will undoubtedly face many challenges in the future if he decides to continue his voyage to the Thames and beyond.”

The Gola had also required the assistance of the Humber lifeboat just five days earlier when she had to be assisted out of a busy shipping channel in the River Humber.

Meanwhile, the Skegness crew were also involved in the search for a missing five-year-old girl shortly after returning from helping the Gola.

The inshore boat was still being refuelled and washed down, when she was requested to launch again to help search for a missing five-year-old at Ingoldmells.

Following a brief search, the child was found safe ashore and the lifeboat returned to Skegness at around 8pm.

For more information about the RNLI and its life-saving work, go to the official website at www.rnli.org.uk.